FOUR SELECTED YOUNG ARTISTES in semifinals are set to compete at the finale of ‘Show Me Your Talent’ slated for July 8. It will be broadcasted live on Rwanda Television. The contest organised in partnership with VibeInAfrika, Stay in America, Kigali Phone Center and Envision was introduced by US-based Rwandan arts enthusiast Elie Ndisanze. Elie’s vision was for the most talented young artistes to be unearthed and supported to grow their careers and give them a platform to turn them into established artists. Jean-Claude Niyomugabo, Managing Director of VibeInAfrika told The NewTimes that this competition has its uniqueness, different from other music contest and that assures it is here for long term. “The winner of this competition will be given a huge platform to showcase his talent after winning the competition. The winner will be hosted at the VibeInShow and a reality show, platforms where some of the big artistes today passed through,” says Niyomugabo. The contest’s first season had 23 contestants registered for the competition as the number increased to 39 in the second season, while 59 registered for this season. Among the 59 contestants, four of them were selected in semifinals. The top four contestants selected will head to the finale that will be showed live on Rwanda Television, Versus show hosted by Lucky Nzeyimana. Among the four contestants only two will be awarded after meeting Mani Martin, the judge of the competition. Arts enthusiast Eli Ndisanze. Lucky Nzeyimana, who has been hosting different contestants on his show ‘Versus’, declared that talent alone is not enough but hard work and persistence gets them where they want to be in the future. The contestants were voted via the ‘Show Me Your Talent’s’ YouTube channel which holds 30 per cent and the rest 70 per cent is from the jury. Mani Martin, a singer and judge of the competition revealed that he has seen huge talents at this competition that if given support needed it will be a great thing for the Rwandan music industry. He encouraged the contestants to work hard for their dreams and that even though they win this competition it does not mean that their work is done. The overall winner will be awarded with production of one song, both audio and video. He will also walk away with RWF200, 000 while the second will pocket RWF100, 000 and audio production of one song. Clement Shema, winner of the first season said that he is grateful for the support given by this contest to talented Rwandans. “The competition helped me to realise my potential, how far I’ve have come and where I can reach. Rwanda has many talents but they need support to lift those talents and I have no doubt that if we have many people like Ndisanze, Rwandan music will boost.”
